Participants will learn about sources of free and deeply discounted broadband and devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) for low- and moderate-income users, and strategies for tapping them. We'll also consider inclusion-related apps that can be bundled with these devices and broadband access.
Moderator: Terry Lee, community affairs specialist, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Panelists
Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will discuss issues with key staff from the Federal Communications Commission's Disability Rights Office including the Affordable Connectivity Program, and updates on Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS). We will explain how to file a complaint, and learn more about FCC's Disability Advisory Committee. There will be time for Q/A.
State and territory broadband offices have dramatically increased in size over the past year as they deploy billions of dollars in economic recovery funds and start to manage a historic federal investment in broadband expansion.
The largest cable and wireline phone providers and fixed wireless services in the US – representing about 96% of the market – acquired about 825,000 net additional broadband Internet subscribers in 3Q 2022. These top broadband providers account for about 110.8 million subscribers, with top cable companies having about 75.6 million broadband subscribers, top wireline phone companies having over 32 million subscribers, and top fixed wireless services having about 3.2 million subscribers. Findings for the quarter include:
Unions representing millions of workers in telecommunications, tech, and media as well as most sectors of the US wrote the US Senate to strongly support Gigi Sohn [Senior Fellow and Public Advocate at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society] for the role of Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and urge swift action on her nomination. The FCC needs a fully seated commission in order to make critical decisions during a period of increased federal investment in broadband networks and digital equity initiatives.
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